Examining the role of childhood experiences of domestic violence in suicidal behaviours among young people in an Australian jurisdiction

• In Event: Victimology Issues in Domestic Violence: Understanding the Impact and Addressing the Challenges

Abstract

Suicide is the leading cause of death among young people in Australia. The role of childhood experiences of domestic violence as a risk factor in engaging in suicidal behaviour is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate this relationship using multi-system data linkage on more than 135,000 young people in Victoria, Australia. The cohort includes all young people enrolled in year 9 schooling across the state in 2011 and 2012. Routinely collected administrative data from ten justice, mortality, welfare, education and health agencies were linked across the lifetime until November 2020. A measure of domestic violence exposure was developed utilising child protection and police data. An outcome measure of suicidal behaviour was developed using mental health, emergency department, ambulance, hospital, death and suicide registry data. Survival analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between exposure to domestic violence and suicidal behaviour, while controlling for a range of static and dynamic risk and protective factors. Patterns and timing of service contact and suicidal behaviour were also investigated. Findings highlight the complex needs of at-risk young people and critical periods in the life course for intervention. Findings further raise direct implications for policy and practice, informing service delivery and resource allocation in health and welfare sectors.

Authors

• Dominique de Andrade, Griffith University

• Peter Miller, Deakin University

• Silke Meyer, Griffith University

• Ashlee Curtis, Deakin University